Embarking on the Lares Trek Tour is your ticket to an unparalleled adventure! This journey invites you to explore secluded Andean communities and pristine lakes, all while trekking alongside the charming llamas and alpacas. The tour culminates with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, where history and mystery intertwine. Dive into the cultural richness, natural beauty, and ancient wonders of this unforgettable trek!
Overview
Discover the uncharted allure of the Andes with the 4-day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu. This venture takes you into the heart of traditional Andean communities, offering a rare glimpse into their daily lives, culture, and time-honored traditions. Trek alongside the native llamas and alpacas, engage with the villagers, and visit local educational establishments. The culmination of your journey is an awe-inspiring day exploring the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu.
Trip Deatils:
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Total Hiking Distance: 38 km / 24 miles
- Departure from: Cusco
- Availability: Year-Round
Highlights:
- Indulge in the rejuvenating Lares hot springs.
- Explore Salineras of Maras and Ollantaytambo
- Return journey aboard scenic trains (Vistadome or 360°)
- Engage in and support community projects
Lares Trek 4 days at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – Lares – Blue Lagoon (10 km, 4 hrs)
Embark from Cusco and enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to the soothing Lares hot springs. Post breakfast, engage in a 4-hour trek to the initial campsite at 3900 m (12795 ft), witnessing the enchanting mountain views, waterfalls, the tranquil Kiswarani Village, and the company of llamas and alpacas.
Day 2: Kiswarani – Canchacancha Community (16 km, 7hrs)
Greet the day with the warmth of coffee or coca tea, and a mountainous backdrop. The day’s trek involves a 4-hour ascent to Condor Pass at 4750m (15583 ft), followed by a descent to Canchacancha village at 3750 m (12303 ft). Marvel at the surrounding towering mountains, serene lakes, diverse avian life, and interaction with local children.
Day 3: Canchacancha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (12 km, 4 hrs)
Awaken to the serene village atmosphere and start the day with a descent to the Sacred Valley, enriching your journey with a visit to local villagers, a picnic lunch, exploration of Salineras of Maras, Ollantaytambo, and a train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, uncovering the secrets of this ancient city with your guide, followed by a panoramic return aboard the Vistadome train, concluding your unforgettable expedition back at your hotel in Cusco.
Starting bright and early at 4:30 am, we’ll pick you up from your stay in Cusco and head to Lares’ renowned thermal baths. Whether you’re in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, we’ve got you covered! First stop, Calca market in the Sacred Valley to explore and shop, followed by a relaxing dip in Lares Hot Springs with breathtaking mountain views. A hearty breakfast awaits here!
A short drive to Pampacorral and we begin our trek to Kiswarani Village. After a delicious, locally sourced lunch, we trek onwards to our first campsite by the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by scenic views, potato fields, and waterfalls. Elevation: 3900 m (12795 ft). Here, warm tents, a cup of coca tea or coffee, and beautiful stargazing await.
- Trekking Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Starlit camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Start your morning with a warm drink, preparing for a challenging day ahead. After breakfast, embark on a 4-hour hike to the trek's peak, Condor Pass at 4750m, witnessing vibrant wildlife and the panoramic Andes. At the summit, partake in a spiritual ceremony and enjoy a rewarding cup of coca tea before descending to Acopata for lunch.
The afternoon involves a 2-hour downhill trek to Canchacancha village (3750m), where your warm tent and scenic views await. Immerse yourself in local life, interact with villagers, play with children, and learn some Quechua words.
- Campsite Altitude: 3750m
- Highest Altitude: 4700m
- Distance: 16km
- Duration: 7 hours
- Meals: All included
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Wake up to a mountain view with a cup of coffee or coca tea before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Explore Canchacancha village, known for its lack of electricity and preserved Inca Quechua language. Interact with locals and visit the school to donate educational supplies.
Embark on a 4-hour downhill hike, transitioning from the cool highlands where potatoes and beans are cultivated, to the warmer Sacred Valley, known for corn and avocados. End your trek at Huaran village (2700m), located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, and savor a picnic lunch before bidding farewell to the trekking team.
Next, visit the Salineras of Maras to witness the ancient salt harvesting techniques. Explore Ollantaytambo, the "Last Living Incan Citadel" and recently named the Best Tourism Village by UNWTO. Here, experience the locals living amongst original Inca buildings and explore the ancient narrow streets.
Conclude your day with dinner in a local restaurant, then board the 7:00 pm Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, where you'll rest in a 3-star hotel.
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2000m
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meals: All included
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Start your day with breakfast and catch the first bus to Machu Picchu to witness a stunning sunrise. Embark on a 2-3 hour guided tour, uncovering the marvels and mysteries of the iconic citadel. After the tour, explore more or opt for additional hikes (book in advance).
Wrap up your day with a bus ride back to Aguas Calientes and lunch on your own, followed by a scenic train and vehicle ride to Cusco. Expect to return to your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Maximum Altitude: 2430m / 7972 ft
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
What´s Included:
Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our office.
Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the tour.
All transportation for the duration of the trek.
Travel bag of up to 7 kilos for your personal things carried by horses.
Highly trained professional mountain tourism guides.
Chefs, porters and horsemen.
2-night camp in the mountains with comfortable equipment.
1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
All meals during the trek with local ingredients.
Entrance ticket to Lares and Machu Picchu.
Buses up and down to Machu Picchu.
Vistadome Panoramic Train to return to Cusco
Not Included:
Sleeping bags, air mattresses or trekking poles.
Lunch on the last day.
Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Mountain (not available).
Tips for porters, chef, guides.
Important information:
Group tours depart every day, subject to availability of permits.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Travelers must have a moderate level of fitness
Additional hike after the guided tour in Machu Picchu:
Huayna Picchu Mountain, must be booked in advance, cost is 75$
Machu Picchu Montaña, must be booked in advance, cost is 75$